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                                                                   Exhibit 23(b)


                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8, Nos. 333-44759, 333-79358 and 333-12661) pertaining to the American Eagle
Outfitters, Inc. 1994 Stock Option Plan of our report dated March 3, 1998
(except Note 13, as to which the date is April 14, 1998) with respect to the
consolidated financial statements of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. included in
its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended January 31, 1998 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
April 5, 1999